Adam Jones, here breaking away for a 68-yard punt return in the first quarter against the New York Giants, was cut by the Cowboys in 2009. The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger

Written by

Joe Reedy
jreedy@enquirer.com

It's rare to see a late-season nonconference matchup, especially among playoff contenders, to have some simmering subplots involving players and their former team. Such is the case today when the Bengals take on the Cowboys.

Cornerbacks Adam Jones and Terence Newman face Dallas for the first time since they were released and Mike Zimmer faces the Cowboys for the second time as the Bengals defensive coordinator.

As Jones noted, though, there is more to this game because of the stakes involved. The 7-5 Bengals have won four straight and remain tied for the final wild card spot in the AFC. The ...